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New Orleans Saints positional analysis: outside linebackers

Will Smith flushes Matt Ryan from pocket

New Orleans Saints linebacker Will Smith is just one of many defenders finding themselves in a new position after making the switch from a 4-3 defensive end to a 3-4 outside linebacker.
flushes Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) from the pocket in the fourth quarter during game between the Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints at the Superdome on Sunday, November 11, 2012. (Photo by Michael DeMocker, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune)
(Michael DeMocker, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune)

This position has been consistently in flux since the arrival of new defensive coordinator Rob Ryan in the offseason. The Saints have pledged to switch to a 3-4 defense under Ryan, but are still in transition mode without the time to acquire all of the personnel they want.

Although the Saints really have nowhere to go but up from last season, it could be a rocky year until Ryan is able to get the players he wants for his scheme. The Saints attempted to do that with free agent Victor Butler, but suffered a heavy blow when he went down with a torn ACL in the last practice of OTAs.

Butler was considered a possible starter at the strongside outside linebacker position. Now the Saints will have to turn to the still inexperienced Martez Wilson as a starter, and find a suitable backup in training camp with time running out until the season begins.

Converted defensive end Will Smith, who at 32 is one of the oldest members of the team, will attempt to slide into the starting role at "Jack" linebacker. Junior Galette will likely back him up.

Rookie Rufus Johnson, a former college defensive end, could also be in the mix for the Sam position. At 6 feet 5 and 272 pounds, Johnson's size alone created buzz during OTAs.

Unofficial depth chart

Outside linebackers

No. Player Ht. Wt. Age Exp. College

91 Will Smith 6-3 282 32 10 Ohio State

95 Martez Wilson 6-4 252 23 3 Illinois

93 Junior Galette 6-2 258 25 4 Stillman

59 Rufus Johnson 6-5 272 22 R Tarleton State

58 Chase Thomas 6-3 241 24 R Stanford

Analysis

The unit's limited experience is its biggest problem. Wilson played linebacker in college and lined up at the position in his rookie season in the NFL. He was an end last season, where he notched three sacks. With Butler out, Wilson, who had three sacks in 15 games last season, is expected to hold down the position despite having only two starts.

Smith, who also played linebacker in college, has said he doesn't consider the switch to be a problem. However, the move might be a last ditch effort to find a place on the team for the veteran, who took a pay cut to come back.

If the move doesn't seem to be working out by training camp, they might move Galette into the starting role.

The Saints might have to scramble a bit now on the strongside position, with Wilson likely moving into the starting role during Butler's absence. With so little time before the season begins, it will be a challenge to find a backup in free agency if the team chooses to go that route. While former Falcons defensive end John Abraham is still available, it's extremely unlikely due to age and high salary demands.

The Saints will likely have to look for a strong performer in training camp, or have the players at the Sam and Jack position switch to both sides. This could shape up as one of the more interesting training camp battles, with multiple players fighting for spots as they settle into Ryan's scheme.